Product DescriptionStudio: Tcfhe Release Date: 02/26/2008 Run time: 91 minutes Rating: R
Amazon.comFamily tension again provides dramatic comedy in Wes Anderson's new film, The Darjeeling Limited, about three American brothers traveling by train to find their reclusive mother in rural India. Like Royal Tenenbaums, this film succeeds because of its smart, funny script in addition to the visual beauty of India and its luxurious locomotive transportation. In Darjeeling, the oldest brother, Francis (Owen Wilson), blackmails his two younger siblings, Peter (Adrien Brody), and Jack (Jason Schwartzman), into traveling to a monastery where their mother, Patricia (Anjelica Huston), has been in hiding as a nun. Supposedly embarking on a spiritual quest, the three men reminisce about the recent death of their father, and the family's irreconcilable problems previous to their reunification. Though they do find Patricia, Francis, Peter, and Jack grow immensely from another brush with death, this time an Indian boy they try to rescue, giving the film an added conceptual depth that Anderson's previous films have been accused of lacking. Co-written by Roman Coppola (CQ), The Darjeeling Limited is a finely-tuned critique of American materialism, emotional vacuity, and our lack of spiritualism, presented in ironic twists and gorgeous cinematography and lighting recalling Altman's McCabe & Mrs. Miller. A lovely, poignant sequence occurs while the three brothers attend a traditional Indian funeral, and flash back to their father's one year prior. Moreover, the film's soundtrack culled from Satyajit Ray's films and vintage Kinks gives the film a timeless feel, removing it from the predictable indie rock scoring of independent releases. By far Anderson's best film thus far, The Darjeeling Limited offers a much-needed dose of cultural self-reflection, pillared against India's ever-evolving yet ancient religious backbone. --Trinie Dalton
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I wonder if the three of us would've been friends in real life. Not as brothers, but as people. (Rating: 4 out of 5)
Wes Anderson's The Darjeeling Limited is a sardonic, dialogue-driven film about three disjointed brothers, Francis(Owen Wilson), Peter(Adrien Brody) and Jack(Jason Schwartzman) on a train ride through scenic and beautiful India. On their 'spiritual quest' to relate to each other again as more then friends, but brothers they hit many snags along the way, and ultimately they find themselves stranded in the middle of the desert.
This film is not for everyone, the pace may drag a bit slow at times and subject matter questionable, you will find yourself loving it or hating it.
Myself, I thoroughly enjoyed it; the change between the brothers, finding themselves, letting go of their excess baggage and enjoying the ride.
Excellent (Rating: 5 out of 5) This is a wonderfully charming, poignant, gorgeous film. As a long time Wes Anderson fan, I highly recommend it. One hint for folks who are new to Anderson's odd cinematic tales: watch them a second time. The first time you're along for the ride, wondering where this strange guy is taking you. The second time around, you become aware of the journey's nuances, hidden meanings, and you feel like you've discovered a gem.
I can see the quality, but .... (Rating: 3 out of 5) it took me three days and many pauses to get through this. That said, I think it's a high quality film and a delightful look at India. I liked the soundtrack of Indian music. Much of the humor is so subtle as to be almost missed one time around. It's precious, but you'll enjoy this, if not savor it.
good (Rating: 5 out of 5) Had no problems playing the DVD and it was delivered in an acceptable time frame.
And the year's Stinko goes to: (Rating: 1 out of 5) The experience began like staring at a wall with a mild but relentless toothache and steadily worsened. About halfway through I got up and looked for my revolver. The only way to explain this film is that Wes Anderson, who produced, directed and co-wrote the film, is six years old and not a film prodigy. Although that is rather unkind to six-year olds, who could spin a better story with crayons. In an attempt to mimic the hackneyed plot of pilgrims on a journey, Andersen adds no drama, no adventure, no jokes, and no point. Rumors persist that the film was made as a practical joke on the financial underwriters -- cruel humor indeed.
It the single worst movie I've seen since 1989 when Hollywood featured Kirk ("Growing Pains") Cameron in it's adventure-thrill-filled homage to the nail-bitingly exciting world of collegiate debating -- released under the ironically non-ironical title "Listen to Me," which gives you some idea of the kind of razor-sharp wit employed in that film.